The St. James Board of Education set the tax rate for 2010 at its meeting Aug. 19.
A hearing was held for the tax rate, which resulted in no public input. The tax rate approved was the same from the previous year with no increase.
Rates are as follows: $2.75 per $100 of assessed valuation for operating costs and $.53 for debt service for a total of $3.28.
During the meeting, Cheryl Harlan explained a grant awarded to the Even Start childcare facility through the Department of Social Services. The grant was awarded for a total of $90,852, which will be used for remodeling projects and facility improvements.
Harlan said the funds would be used for upgrades to the front deck, new signs, playground upgrades, a new playground for infants and toddlers, replacing flooring and new equipment.
Board members discussed an update on construction at Lucy Wortham James Elementary.
Lloyd Pooker of Creative Construction Solutions gave the update.
Pooker noted a site walk through occurred before school began to list concern areas. The new hallway is ready to paint, Pooker said. Next, colors will be selected and then the ceilings and lights will be installed.
“Contractors are working evenings to not interfere,” Pooker said.
For the east addition, footings have been poured and a masonry contractor has been working, Pooker said. Also, load-bearing walls have been scheduled to go up.
A meeting occurred with the contractor and construction management to define a schedule of completion, Pooker said.
During action topics, the board approved change orders for the elementary construction project for a total of $6,419.44, including 12 different items.
The board also gave Superintendent Joy Tucker the authority to approve a change orders up to $25,000 a month, which was the amount recommended by the district's attorney. The superintendent would be approving the change orders instead of the previously approved three-person board member committee.
The motion included the requirement of the superintendent to give weekly updates to the board for all change orders approved.
Next, the board approved tuition rates for the district. The high school's approved rate was $7,500, which increased from $300, the middle school rate was $6,900, which increased by $200 and the elementary school rate was $6,700, which had no change.
Linda Pruett explained the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report.
Pruett noted the report is a federal guideline for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, which was established in 2001. NCLB requires 100 percent proficiency for districts by 2014.
Based on Missouri standards, 385 districts are currently below standards in communication arts and math, Pruett said.
Pruett explained a letter would be sent to parents noting the district is under corrective action because of federal standards, which have not been met. The district has improved but not to the standards of the federal government. The final ruling will occur Sept. 3.
